A Mixed-Method Inquiry of Bisexual Identity Centrality Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women

There is a dearth of research on racially and ethnically diverse bisexual women. Samples routinely over-represent White women, and studies often combine women of Color into a single analytic category, obscuring potential differences that could shed light on unique strengths or stressors. Identity characteristics such as centrality, or the importance of an identity to one’s sense of self, have been linked to psychological well-being and reports of discrimination. However, it is unclear how bisexual centrality operates for women of Color specifically, limiting understanding of mental health risk and protective factors within bisexual populations. As part of a larger mixed-methods study, we conducted qualitative interviews with 25 bisexual women of Color. Thematic analysis of responses to a question about bisexual identity importance identified two major themes: unambiguous importance, with subthemes “high centrality” and “low centrality”; and it’s just a part of me, with subthemes “qualities not identities”, and “questioning importance.” Bisexual identity centrality was also assessed quantitatively. Findings revealed complex narratives about the importance of bisexual identity to participants. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.